By That Girl Whitney Team
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“Flattering” is one of the most loaded words in fashion. For years, it was code for “hide your body.” Plus size women were told to stick to black and cover every inch. That advice is outdated. A flattering dress is simply one that fits your body well and makes you feel good when you wear it.
That feeling comes from fit, and fit comes down to a few key details. Where a dress hits your waist and where the hem lands both change how it looks on you. The same dress can look completely different on two people because their proportions differ.
Some dress styles work for a wide variety of plus size bodies because they adapt to curves instead of fighting them. Once you know which styles those are and why they work, shopping gets easier. You’ll stop buying dresses that look great on the hanger and disappointing in the mirror.
This guide covers four dress styles that consistently work for plus size bodies, then shows you how to get the fit right when you shop online.
Wrap Dresses That Define Your Waist
The wrap dress is a classic for good reason. It crosses over the bust, ties at the waist, and adjusts to your body every time you put it on.
The wrap creates a V-neckline that lengthens your upper body and draws the eye up. The tie gives you a defined waist, which works whether you have an hourglass shape or carry weight through your middle. Because you control the tie, the dress fits even if your size changes from week to week.
Look for wrap dresses in fabric with some weight, like matte jersey or crepe. Very thin fabrics can cling. If the neckline dips lower than you like, a small safety pin or a camisole underneath solves it.
Faux wrap dresses are worth a look too. They have the same look but are sewn closed, so you don’t have to worry about the wrap opening up.
Shop it: faux wrap dress with pockets
A-Line and Fit-and-Flare Styles
A-line dresses fit through the bust and waist, then flare gently out to the hem. Fit-and-flare dresses do the same with a fuller skirt.
These styles skim over your hips and thighs instead of clinging, which makes them comfortable and easy to move in. They work especially well for pear shapes because the skirt balances wider hips.
Pay attention to where the waist seam sits. It should hit at your natural waist, the narrowest part of your torso. If it sits too high or too low, the proportions look off. If you’re tall, check the torso length in the product details.
A-line dresses come in nearly every length. Knee-length styles work for work and casual days, while midi lengths feel dressier for events.
Shop it: IN’VOLAND A-line midi
Empire Waist and Shirt Dresses
Empire waist dresses have a seam right under the bust, with the skirt flowing from there. They give you room through the middle, which makes them a comfortable choice if you prefer not to define your waist. They’re especially popular for summer sundresses and maxi dresses.
The key with empire waist dresses is the bust seam. It should sit right under your bust, not across it. A seam that cuts across the bust looks and feels uncomfortable.
Shirt dresses have a collar and button front, often with a belt or tie at the waist. They look polished for work and casual enough for weekends. Choose a style with buttons placed to prevent gaping at the bust, or look for one with a hidden snap between buttons.
Shirt dresses are versatile. Wear one belted for shape, or wear it open over a tank as a light layer.
Choosing Fabric and Fit Online
Fabric matters as much as the style. Medium-weight fabrics like ponte and matte jersey skim your body without clinging. Very thin or very stiff fabrics tend to be less forgiving.
When you shop online, use the size chart instead of guessing. Measure your bust, waist, hips, and torso length, then compare them to the chart. If you’re between sizes, size for your largest measurement and have a tailor take in the rest.
Reviews give you real-world fit information. Look for reviewers who share your height and size, and pay attention to comments about the bust and length.
Building a Wardrobe of Dresses You Love
A flattering dress is one that fits your proportions and feels good to wear. Wrap dresses, A-line styles, empire waists, and shirt dresses all adapt to curves, which is why they work for so many plus size bodies. Pair the right style with a medium-weight fabric and an accurate size, and you’ll find dresses that look as good in the mirror as they did online.
For dressier events, our plus size wedding guest dress guide shows how these styles translate to formal looks.
Shop Whitney’s favorite plus size finds on her Amazon storefront. Follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more plus size outfit ideas.